Robert Barham, the Secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, expanded the “sacking-only” area in Mississippi Sound for the upcoming oyster season on the public oyster seed grounds. The revised “sacking-only” area is further described as that portion of the public oyster seed grounds within Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ (LDHH) Harvest Area 1 falling east of a line of longitude at 89 degrees 29 minutes 0.00 seconds W, and the entirety of the LDHH Harvest Area 2.
To view revised maps of this area visit: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/fishing/commerical-oyster-seasons
The “sacking-only” area in Mississippi Sound originally encompassed only LDHH Harvest Area 2, but was expanded as described above. An additional “sacking-only” area in the Bay Long and American Bay area as originally set by the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission for the upcoming season remains unchanged. Within these “sacking-only” areas, which are set to open on Monday, October 19, 2015, the harvest of oysters is limited to the take of market-size oysters only.
Closure dates, adjustments in sack limits and/or sacking-only areas will be determined by LDWF Secretary Barham on an “as needed” basis, based on biological and harvest data, or if enforcement issues are encountered. The Secretary is also authorized by the Commission to take emergency action to reopen areas previously closed if the threat to the resource has ended, and to open public areas if substantial oyster resources are located.
Public notice of any opening, delay, or closure of a season will be provided at least 72 hours prior to such action, unless such closure is ordered by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals for public health concerns.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive recreational or commercial fishing email and text alerts, signup at http://www.wlf.la.gov/signup.